A Ladson middle school teacher is the 2013 South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year according to Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society headquartered at the College of Charleston. Diana Gomez Hudgens of Oakbrook Middle School was named the by the College of Charleston’s and The Citadel’s Chapters of Sigma Delta Pi.
L-R: Ivan Segura, Bradford Greer, Sandra Camacho and Diana Gomez Hudgens, Mark P. Del Mastro
Mrs. Hudgens was among three finalists for the award, which was presented for the 9th consecutive year to recognize outstanding Spanish teachers in K-12 schools across the Palmetto State. Past winners include Erin Gilreath-Carlson of Dutch Fork High School in 2012, Lynn Fulton-Archer of Richmond Drive Elementary School in 2011, Darlene S. Whitaker of Great Falls High School in 2010, Elizabeth Sanderson of Lakewood High School in 2009, Eileen Hilera Shields of Academic Magnet School in 2008, Renée C. Love of Gaffney High School in 2007, Celina P. Anthony of West Ashley High School in 2006 and Jennifer Bryant of Eastside High School (Greenville) in 2005.
The contest’s Board chose Hudgens for her rigorous and innovative teaching as well as her leadership in professional development in her school district, said Mark P. Del Mastro, chair and professor of Hispanic Studies at the College of Charleston and founding director of the awards program.
Del Mastro presented the winner with an award plaque, and Ivan Segura on behalf of the South Carolina Hispanic Leadership Council awarded the $500 cash prize. The runners up, Bradford Greer of Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville and Sandra Camacho of TL Hanna High School in Anderson were recognized for their achievements and also received plaques during the evening awards ceremony. All three finalists received a one-night stay for two and breakfast the morning following the ceremony courtesy of the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston.
The three teachers were selected from nominees from across the state and were judged on innovation in teaching, initiative in Spanish curriculum development, extra-curricular activities related to teaching and professional development.
For more information about the South Carolina Spanish Teacher of the Year program, visit the web site or contact the founding director, Dr. Mark P. Del Mastro. Nomination information for the 2014 contest will be available online in February.
